As of 1 July 2024, Cape Town dam levels have decreased to 68.0%, marking a slight decline of 0.50% from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels drop to 68% on Monday, 1 July 2024
The major dams in the Western Cape have shown varied changes in water levels this week.
The Berg River Dam experienced a minor decrease from 87.8% to 87.5%, a 0.3% drop.
Steenbras Lower Dam saw a similar decrease from 71.8% to 71.3%, a 0.5% reduction. Steenbras Upper Dam also slightly dropped from 90.3% to 90.2%, a 0.1% decline.
Theewaterskloof Dam had a more significant decrease from 64.0% to 62.8%, reflecting a 1.2% drop. Conversely, Voëlvlei Dam increased from 59.2% to 60.1%, a 0.9% rise, while Wemmershoek Dam saw a modest increase from 74.6% to 75.1%, a 0.5% gain.
Rainfall recorded during this period has been above average, contributing positively to the dam levels despite the overall slight decrease. Notable rainfall recordings include:
- Blackheath Upper: 78.8 mm
- Brooklands: 132.9 mm
- Newlands: 289.5 mm
- Steenbras: 157.8 mm
- Table Mountain (Woodhead): 244.5 mm
- Theewaterskloof: 74.2 mm
- Tygerberg: 93.3 mm
- Voëlvlei: 101.1 mm
- Wemmershoek: 172.8 mm
- Wynberg: 186.4 mm
A look at changes in major dams
Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 1 July 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Berg River | 130,010 | 87.5% | 87.8% | -0.3% |
Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 71.3% | 71.8% | -0.5% |
Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 90.2% | 90.3% | -0.1% |
Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 62.8% | 64.0% | -1.2% |
Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 60.1% | 59.2% | +0.9% |
Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 75.1% | 74.6% | +0.5% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams exhibited mixed results. Alexandra Dam decreased from 51.5% to 50.2%, a 1.3% drop.
De Villiers Dam experienced a slight decrease from 100.3% to 100.2%, a 0.1% drop. Hely-Hutchinson Dam saw an increase from 32.7% to 33.5%, a 0.8% rise.
Kleinplaats Dam remained stable at 42.4%. Land-en-Zeezicht Dam also remained unchanged at 99.4%. Lewis Gay Dam experienced a significant decrease from 62.6% to 57.6%, a 5.0% drop.
Victoria Dam decreased from 100.8% to 99.6%, a 1.2% decline. Woodhead Dam saw a slight increase from 77.9% to 78.1%, a 0.2% rise.
Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 1 July 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alexandra | 126 | 50.2% | 51.5% | -1.3% |
De Villiers | 243 | 100.2% | 100.3% | -0.1% |
Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 33.5% | 32.7% | +0.8% |
Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 42.4% | 42.4% | 0.0% |
Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
Lewis Gay | 182 | 57.6% | 62.6% | -5.0% |
Victoria | 128 | 99.6% | 100.8% | -1.2% |
Woodhead | 954 | 78.1% | 77.9% | +0.2% |
Five easy ways to save water and reduce consumption
Here are five effective ways to achieve this goal:
- Fix Leaks Promptly: A small drip from a leaking faucet or pipe can waste a significant amount of water over time. Regularly checking for and repairing leaks in plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems, and pipes can prevent water wastage.
- Install Water-Efficient Fixtures: Using low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets can significantly reduce water usage. These fixtures are designed to use less water while maintaining efficiency, which can lead to considerable savings on water bills and a substantial reduction in water consumption.
- Practice Efficient Watering: Watering lawns and gardens can consume a large amount of water. Watering during the early morning or late evening reduces evaporation and ensures that plants receive the moisture they need. Employing drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses targets water directly to the roots where it’s most needed, reducing waste.
- Use Water-Saving Appliances: Choosing appliances like dishwashers and washing machines that are energy and water-efficient can lead to substantial water savings. These appliances are designed to use minimal water while delivering optimal performance. Running them only when full maximizes efficiency and conserves water.
- Adopt Water-Saving Habits: Simple daily actions can lead to significant water savings. Turning off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes by hand, and taking shorter showers are practical habits that reduce water use. Additionally, collecting rainwater for garden irrigation and using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks can further decrease water consumption.